As the sun sets on December 13^th, a candle lit path in Snowmass Village will lead the way to a holiday celebration unlike anything else in the world. Every year, the Anderson Ranch pulls out all the stops in order to honor residents and artists of Snowmass Village during their Holiday Open House.

The Anderson Ranch Arts Center, one of the original ranches in the Snowmass Village area, has been a center for creativity and inspiration since its transformation from a ranch to an art studio in 1966. Today, Anderson Ranch continues in its vision to provide artistic experiences for Snowmass Village residents throughout their lives and across all talent levels.

When one thinks of Anderson Ranch a variety of images come to mind, from children painting a huge mural on a wall, to world-class art perfectly displayed, to art classes filled with adults who may have never believed they could create, to professional artists quietly honing their skill tucked away in a corner.

In accordance with the wide range of individuals and artists who benefit from the Anderson Ranch Arts Center, their Holiday Open House is equally diverse. At 5 p.m. the children will be the first to walk down the wondrous candle lit trail.  Awaiting them will be the opportunity to create their own holiday ornament to take home.

Meanwhile, Open Studios will be allowing residents, fellow artists, parents and children to tour the studios of the resident artists and staff. For those who love art, and are in awe of the artistic process, a peek into the studio of world-class artists is like a glimpse into their genius. For children, and those less artistically savvy, the opportunity to see how an artist works, their tools and their space is an enriching experience.

After taking the opportunity to stand in the shadows of greatness, the Points of Light exhibition allows visitors to view the work of these artistic giants, past and present in the Patton-Malott Gallery.

Finally, fully emerged into the art world, the Sip and Shop at the ArtWorks Gift Store is the perfect way to cross a few names on the ol’ holiday gift list. While moseying about the shop, sipping a festive drink, original art, jewelry, toys and books will be available for purchase, highlighting and supporting the talented artists of the Anderson Ranch Art Center. Artists Anne Goldberg, a ceramist, and Amee Hinkley, a leather-working artist, will be available to meet with visitors, answer questions and discuss their work.

A Live Auction will commence at 7:15 in which the work of Mark Cesark, Debra Fritts and Shelly Safir Marolt will be available for bid to benefit the ARAC educational programs, ensuring that the vision of the center will continue in perpetuity.

To wrap up this sumptuous evening, a Holiday Dinner will be held at the Ranch Café beginning at 7:45 p.m. reservations are required. This intimate dinner is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and relish in the amazing people who choose to make Snowmass Village their home.

Make your own trip down the snowy, candle lit trail to the Anderson Ranch Art Center this week and fall in love with Snowmass Village all over again. Then click here to see art, in the form of homes, residences and condos that stand year round as a testament of the beauty and appreciation for the finer things in life in Snowmass Village and Aspen.

Tags: Anderson Ranch